My wish list is very long, full of big, expensive things that I hope to buy someday soon. SLR camera, new violin, mandolin, laptop, guitar… This list has existed for many years and is only growing, but now I’m starting to question myself. Is this the stuff that I really should be striving for? Sure, I might be able to use some of this stuff to impact God’s kingdom, but if I’m being honest with myself, I have to admit that’s not the real drive behind most of this wish list.
I’m seeking treasures here on earth.
Jesus was speaking right to me when He said in Matthew 6:19-21, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
The convicting thing about this verse isn’t that I’m investing in things that will rot away eventually, but that those desires are evidence of where my heart is.
Pastor and author, Rod Rogers put it this way, “You will always spend your money on what is most important to you… If your giving to the church of Jesus Christ is poor, it is a clear sign that you’re not excited about the things that God takes delight in. And, if you truly do take delight in the growth and success of Christ’s church, put your money where your heart is.”
What if we took seriously what Jesus said about storing up treasure in heaven? Wouldn't that completely change our priorities? Giving to a hungry orphan, sharing food with a panhandler, spending time serving in the prison would become of much greater importance than buying the newest iPhone or a Taylor guitar. Wouldn't we be looking for opportunities to give more? Looking for places in the budget that can be trimmed so that we could give more?
Live like your heart is in heaven.
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I wrote this for our h2o newsletter, which some of you may have read. Thought I'd post it here for those of you who haven't read it yet.
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